Stephen King Reveals His Top Three Rock and Roll Songs Ever
Stephen King shares his surprising picks for the greatest rock and roll songs, spotlighting tracks from Slobberbone, Count Five, and Elvis Costello. Discover which songs the legendary author believes stand above the rest.
When Stephen King isn’t busy penning his next bestseller or watching his stories come to life on screen, he’s often lost in the world of rock and roll. The iconic author has always gravitated toward this genre, though he’s not completely closed off to other styles. Still, there are some tunes he’d rather never hear again. For instance, after his wife threatened to leave if he played Lou Bega’s ‘Mambo No 5’ one more time, King decided to retire that particular obsession for good.
King’s passion for rock runs deep. AC/DC has long been his favorite band, and he even fulfilled a lifelong dream by having them create the soundtrack for his directorial debut, Maximum Overdrive. While the film itself didn’t win over critics, the music remains a highlight. King also counts Bruce Springsteen as a close friend, and his personal playlist wouldn’t be complete without legends like Metallica, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Ozzy Osbourne.
King’s Unconventional Choices
Despite his admiration for these rock icons, none of them made his shortlist for the greatest rock and roll song ever. King’s picks are as eclectic as his writing. He once shared his thoughts while expressing his distaste for certain pop music, especially Celine Dion. In his own words:
“What I’m not interested in is ear candy. There’s a place where you can put that, and it ’s not in your ear. I think that stuff should crawl right out of the radio speaker and get in your face.”
He went on to say he has “no interest whatsoever in Celine Dion,” and even joked that fans of hers should protest his commentary. He didn’t hold back, adding:
“If you like Celine Dion, you should write or email the editors of this magazine and tell them that on no account should they hire Steve King to write commentaries, because Steve King thinks ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’ is better than all the songs Ms Dion has recorded, put together.”
The Three-Way Tie
So, which tracks does King consider the pinnacle of rock and roll? He admits it’s impossible to choose just one, declaring:
“Ask me to name the greatest rock and roll song of all time, and I have to say it’s a three-way tie.”
His top picks are Slobberbone’s ‘Gimme Back my Dog,’ Count Five’s ‘Psychotic Reaction,’ and Elvis Costello’s ‘(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love, and Understanding.’ These songs, spanning from the garage rock explosion of the 1960s to alt-country in the early 2000s, might not seem connected at first glance. Yet, for King, they represent the very best the genre has to offer.
Unexpected Favorites
Slobberbone’s 2000 release, the influential debut single from Count Five in 1966, and Costello’s 1978 cover of a Nick Lowe classic all hold a special place in King’s heart. While these tracks may not be the most obvious choices, they stand out for their raw energy and lasting impact. United by King’s admiration, they form a unique trio that, in his eyes, defines the spirit of rock and roll.